A simple technique for identifying the adrenal glands at necropsy

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Gross Anatomy
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Accurate identification of adrenal glands during necropsy is crucial for pathological assessment.
• Existing descriptions lack practical detail for consistent identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a simple, practical technique for identifying adrenal glands at necropsy.
• To provide a reliable method for locating adrenal glands based on anatomical landmarks.

Main Methods:

• A technique based on anatomical location following aorta removal (Rokitansky method).
• Identification of the right adrenal vein orifice above the right renal vein, using a probe as a marker.
• Locating the right adrenal gland superior to the probe after diaphragm separation.
• Identifying the left adrenal vein as the first bifurcation of the left renal vein.
• Opening the left adrenal vein along a probed path to locate the left adrenal gland.

Main Results:

• The described method allows for precise identification of both right and left adrenal glands.
• The technique is effective even in the presence of severe adhesions, fibrosis, or metastases.
• Probes inserted into adrenal veins serve as reliable markers for gland location.

Conclusions:

• A simple and practical technique for adrenal gland identification at necropsy is established.
• This method enhances diagnostic accuracy in veterinary pathology.
• The technique is robust and applicable across various pathological conditions affecting the abdominal cavity.